..::Football III::..

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No Balotelli & Cassano for Sampdoria, says Zenga

Sampdoria coach Walter Zenga has insisted Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli will not be joining the club.

A return to Sampdoria has been touted for free agent Cassano, with president Massimo Ferrero confirming talks have taken place between both parties.Liverpool outcast Balotelli has also emerged as a transfer target for Sampdoria, however, Zenga dismissed those rumours in an interview with Rai Radio 2.

"Cassano and Balotelli are players of extraordinary talent, but no, we won't be signing them," Zenga told reporters."Giampaolo Pazzini? Who wouldn't like to train a player like that? But there are problems with such signings that fans are unaware of.

"We have already made three or four buys. There's Edgar Barreto, Niklas Moisander, Federico Bonazzoli and Mattia Cassani. We got Cassani to plug the gap after Lorenzo De Silvestri's injury.

"The club acted quickly in the transfer market and we are building a good squad. We'll see what else happens, the market is open until the start of September."

 

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Mustafi buoyed by Real Madrid interest

Valencia centre-back Shkodran Mustafi admits he is delighted to have been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

The Germany international only joined los Che from Sampdoria in 2014, but his performances have caught the eye of Madrid and Barcelona, according to the 23-year-old's agent.

Reports suggest Rafa Benitez's men have identified Mustafi as a potential replacement for Sergio Ramos, who is being linked with a move to Manchester United.

"Right now I'm on vacation but who wouldn't be happy when Real Madrid are interested in you?" Mustafi responded when questioned by Sport1 about the transfer rumours.

"It proves that I've given a good level of performances this last season. No player would not be cheerful at such links."Mustafi's father added fuel to the speculation by lauding the size and ambition of Madrid.

"It is true, there was a phone call from the club about their interest," Kujtim Mustafi said. "Madrid are a great club with a superb history of success."Of course, I would be lying if I said I was not proud at the thought of my son signing for this club."

Mustafi cost Valencia €8 million 12 months ago, signing a contract until 2019, and is believed to have a €50m release clause.

 

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Real Madrid la CB kenek hoyanne Ramos ge future 1ka sure nathi nisa wenna one​

 

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Bertolacci undergoes Milan medical

Roma midfielder Andrea Bertolacci says AC Milan were always his first choice after undergoing a medical ahead of a €20 million move to San Siro.

After watching arch-rivals Inter beat them to Geoffrey Kondogbia and Jackson Martinez choose Atletico Madrid, the Rossoneri have finally landed their first big deal of the summer.

The 24-year-old - who scored six goals in 35 Serie A appearances for Genoa last campaign - is undergoing his medical on Monday and already has his sights set on silverware.

"I have always said to CEO Adriano Galliani that I wanted to come here and it's a great feeling to see it happen," he told the club's official website. "I'm ready to prove myself.

"It was always my first choice to come here. Galliani showed great enthusiasm to sign me. Now it will be up to us on the pitch to show we can win the Scudetto.

"I spoke on the phone with new coach Sinisa Mihajlovic and he has a great desire to bring back a Milan side of true greatness.

"I have excellent confidence after last season and at Milan I already have great friends, it's really good to be here."Following the completion of his medical, Bertolacci is expected to sign a long-term deal with the club.

 

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Unal to complete Manchester City move this week

Turkey wonderkid Enes Unal will fly to England this week to complete a move to Manchester City, according to the player's agent.

Last week Bursaspor president Recep Bolukbasi confirmed that an agreement had been reached with City over the transfer of the 18-year-old striker, who is regarded as the brightest talent in his homeland.

And Batur Altiparmak has now revealed that his client will travel to Manchester to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms in the coming days.

"Bursaspor and Manchester City have agreed to make a deal in principle," Altiparmak told Danish publication PLBOLD.

"The only thing that needs to be sorted out now is the agreement [between Ünal and Man City] and medical. He's flying to Manchester in the coming week.

"There has been interest from clubs in Europe for two years now, but I can't mention their names."

City have agreed a fee that could rise to €2.8 million for Unal, with Bursaspor due a 10 per cent sell-on fee in the event of any future transfer.

A work permit for Unal is yet to be confirmed and it is understood that the youngster will be loaned out for a year if one is not granted.

 

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Schweinsteiger: I want fourth title with Bayern

Bastian Schweinsteiger says he wants to win a fourth consecutive Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich, despite persistent speculation linking the midfielder with a move to Manchester United.

The 30-year-old is out of contract next summer and featured in just 20 Bundesliga matches last season, and 28 in all competitions, as his side secured a third league title in a row.

Schweinsteiger has yet to agree a contract extension with Pep Guardiola’s side but says he wants to win another title with Bayern next season.

"I would like to win the Champions League again, but also play as successfully as we have done in the last few years," he told Die Welt.

“We are three-time German champions and I don't think any team has managed it four times before, so that's a motivation."

Manchester United have been heavily linked with the midfielder as they seek to strengthen their midfield, with Louis van Gaal having managed Schweinsteiger previously at his time at Bayern.

The Red Devils came close to signing the Germany international in 2010 before he subsequently signed a new deal with Bayern and Schweinsteiger feels he still has many years left at the top level.

"I feel good and I'm ready to play for the next three years at the top level. That's my goal,” he added.

"We also have next year's Euro 2016 to look forward to. This is obviously a big target, not only for me but also for the whole nation of Germany."

 

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Manchester City monitoring Monaco star Fabinho

Manchester City are considering a move for Monaco right-back Fabinho, Goal understands.

The 21-year-old was part of Dunga's Brazil squad for Copa America although failed to make an appearance in Chile as the Selecao were dumped out at the quarter-final stage by Paraguay.

Goal understands that City have been monitoring the defender closely in recent weeks, with director Txiki Begiristain driving the Premier League club's interest in the Brazilian.

Any negotiations are, however, likely to be held up over a fee for the promising full-back, who has been linked with Chelsea and Manchester United, with Monaco determined to hold out for a figure in the region of €25.4 million.

City value the defender, who has two full caps for Brazil, at the €11m mark but could well change their stance should they be convinced he will be ready to eventually replace first-choice right-back Pablo Zabaleta.

Once on Real Madrid's books, Fabinho only made one appearance for the Liga giants after signing on a temporary deal from Rio Ave back in 2012, where he was frequently utilised in the club's 'B' team.

He then made the switch to Ligue 1 with Monaco, where he has emerged as the club's first-choice right-back and made over 60 appearances for Leonardo Jardim's side over the last couple of seasons.

Monaco moved to make Fabinho's loan deal permanent back in May 2015 although his rapid rise has alerted the attention of City, who are considering a deal for a player that the club's scouts believe could develop into a top-class right-back.

 

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Ronaldo sells image rights to Valencia owner

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed he has struck an image rights deal with Valencia owner Peter Lim as he bids to grow his personal brand in Asia.

The Real Madrid star, 30, was recently named the third best paid athlete in the world in Forbes' annual rich list and has his sights set on enhancing his wealth even further.

 

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Muniain extends Athletic Bilbao contract

Iker Muniain has extended his contract with Athletic Bilbao, signing a new deal that will keep him at San Mames until 2019.

The 22-year-old attacker agreed fresh terms only a year ago, committing himself to the Basque club until 2017 with a buy-out clause of €37.5 million.

However, Muniain - a reported target for Manchester United in previous seasons - will now remain under contract at Athletic for a further two years, while the buy-out clause has been increased to €45m.

A one-time Spain international, the versatile forward missed the latter stages of his club's most recent La Liga campaign with a serious knee injury.

Following surgery on a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in May, Muniain is expected to be out of action until the start of next year.

 

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Dani Alves: No time to whine, Brazil must look forward

Brazil defender Dani Alves has warned his team-mates they cannot afford to waste time whining about their Copa America penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay.

The Selecao exited the tournament at the quarter-finals stage on Saturday after being beaten 4-3 on spot-kicks following a 1-1 draw with Ramon Diaz’s side in Concepcion.

With the World Cup qualifiers set to get underway in October, Dani Alves has now stressed the importance of concentrating on their continued development ahead of Russia 2018 and putting the disappointment of Chile 2015 behind them.
“We have to accept things and try to evolve,” he told reporters.

“There is no other way. Whining is not an option. What we have to do is take a step forward.

"Brazil are in a period of transition, with young and promising players who have strong personalities. I believe these are the players who can change things and improve the team."

Dani Alves was a shock inclusion in the squad, replacing the injured Danilo shortly before the tournament after having not represented his country since last year’s World Cup, but the 32-year-old says the Selecao must improve - with or without him. He also spoke out in defence of team-mate Thiago Silva, whose handball led to Paraguay’s 72nd-minute equaliser from the penalty spot.

“I do not know if I will continue to be named, but whoever is in the squad has to give their best,” he said.

“For me, Thiago Silva remains the best defender in the world. They are specific situations that happen in the career of every player. These are just moments."

 

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Willian: I couldn’t sleep after Paraguay defeat

Brazil star Willian has admitted his heartache at Brazil’s Copa America quarter-final defeat to Paraguay, revealing that he endured a sleepless night after the Selecao's penalty shootout failure in Concepcion.

The five-time world champions arrived in Chile as favourites to lift the trophy, after racking up 10 consecutive Chevrolet Brasil Global Tour victories under new coach Dunga.

However, Brazil bowed out after losing 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw with Paraguay and Willian was devastated by the Selecao's failure to claim a ninth South America crown.“Everyone is sad about the defeat,” the attacker told reporters in Rio de Janeiro.

“It was a very long night, I could not sleep. I kept thinking about the game. But we must move forward. Now we must lift our heads as there it a lot more to come. “

Defender Miranda, who took over as captain in Chile following Neymar's tournament-ending suspension, echoed the Chelsea ace’s sentiments.

“It's sad, unfortunately things did not go as the team wanted,” the centre-half added.

“We came here looking to change the picture and but did not happen. Now it is time to raise your head and think of World Cup qualifying.”

 

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Keane: I wasn't even a Manchester United fan when I was playing for them!

To many supporters, Roy Keane epitomised the successful Manchester United sides of the nineties and the turn of the century.

Keane won seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups and a Champions League trophy during his time at Old Trafford and was captain of the club for much of his 12-year stay.

But the Irishman revealed recently that he was never a Red Devils supporter and actually followed Tottenham as a child.

"I didn't even think I was a Man United fan when I was playing for them," Keane said at a recent Q&A for children's charity Barretstown.

"I was more of a Spurs fan, believe it or not. God knows where that came from. But no, 'fan' [of United] is too strong of a word."

He added: "Just because I played for Manchester United didn't mean I was a fan of the team. Of course, if they're playing Liverpool these days I would want United to win.

"But when I left a club, I broke my ties."

Keane also revealed that he had also had the chance to make it at White Hart Lane as a youngster.

"When I played for Rockmount, one of my team-mate's fathers used to bring me to training and he supported Tottenham," the ex-Republic of Ireland skipper added. "I suppose that's where it started. I liked their players, the likes of Glenn Hoddle and Clive Allen.

"But after I'd come back from trial at Nottingham Forest, Spurs offered me a trial. I turned it down because Forest had been good me, I liked the club and felt some loyalty to them."

 

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'I wouldn't break the bank for Pogba,' reveals Barcelona presidential candidate Benedito

Agusti Benedito says he would not break the bank to sign Juventus ace Paul Pogba were he to become Barcelona president.

The 51-year-old claimed earlier this month that he had already spoken to both the Bianconeri and the France international about a move to Camp Nou, revealing that the Old Lady want €80 million for the midfielder, who would receive €12m per annum after tax.

However, with Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain also interested in Pogba, Benedito has now suggested ahead of next month's presidential elections that he would not be willing to get involved in a bidding war.

"I would not ask the Barca members to take any decision outside the ordinary operations of the club," the Catalan is quoted as saying by Marca."We would not break the Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. We cannot do deals of €200m."

Benedito also promised greater transparency in terms of Barcelona's transfer dealings, in light of the fact that the acquisition of Neymar in 2013 led to a legal investigation into tax evasion and prompted the resignation of former Barca president Sandro Rosell so that he could concentrate on clearing his name in the courts.

"Every Brazilian operation is such a serious matter that they have to be done well," he added.

"This was bad for the club as it was not done correctly and now we are paying dramatic consequences.

 

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Van Gaal: I'll give Manchester United youth a chance on US tour

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal will give youngsters a chance to stake their claim for a first-team spot on the club's upcoming tour of the United States.

The Premier League outfit will return to America in July to play in the International Champions Cup, a tournament that they won in 2014.

Mexican side America and San Jose Earthquakes of Major League Soccer will provide the opposition for United, as will Champions League winners Barcelona and French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

The calibre of opposition may be high but Van Gaal, who steered United back into the Champions League in his first season in charge, plans to utilise the depth in his squad.

"You always get chances, especially in pre-season, and if you grab that chance then maybe you get the possibility to join our first-team squad next season," he told the Red Devils' official website.

"I shall take a lot of youngsters with us to the USA and they have the chance to show themselves and then we shall wait and observe how they can develop."

 

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Agent: Atletico Madrid have agreed to let Arda leave

Arda Turan's agent has confirmed that his client will leave Atletico Madrid this summer.The Turkey international still has two years to run on his contract with the Rojiblancos but the capital club have accepted the midfielder's transfer request.

"Arda has won everything at Atletico Madrid in four years," agent Ahmet Bulut told NTVSpor.

"We're in search of better options for him and decided to definitely leave Atletico Madrid."The Atletico Madrid board were surprised by our decision because they didn't want to give him up.

"But we were insistent and they showed respect to this and accepted his departure."

Arda's representative has already publicly claimed that the player is set on a switch to the Premier League, though he also alleged that AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain are also interested."There is a lot of speculation about him but none of the rumours are completely true," Ahmet added.

"We want to reveal his new team as soon as possible because there is so much pressure on us."Arda's new team will be clear within four days."

The 28-year-old Arda, who joined Atletico from Galatasaray in 2011, has also previously been linked with Barcelona.

 

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Ambrosini: Dybala a great deal for Juventus

Massimo Ambrosini believes that Juventus have pulled off a major coup in signing Paulo Dybala, admitting that he has been "mad about" the striker since he first saw him play in Serie B.

The Bianconeri agreed to pay Palermo €32 million for the 21-year-old Dybala but that figure could eventually rise to €40m.

It is a huge fee for a player who only has one full season of Serie A football behind him, during which he managed just 13 goals in 36 appearances, but Ambrosini believes that Juve have got themselves a bargain.

"I was crazy about Dybala right away, from when he was in the second division," the former Italy international told Gazzetta dello Sport."This is a real player and Juve had done a great deal."

Meanwhile, Ambrosini's old club, AC Milan, were locked in a transfer tug-of-war with city rivals Inter for the services of Geoffrey Kondogbia. In the end, the Nerazzurri won out, after agreeing to pay approximately €40m for the midfielder.

Ambrosini suspects that Milan's loss will be Inter's gain but nonetheless backed the Rossoneri's decision to subsequently pay €20m for Andrea Bertolacci.

"We'll have to see how he will adapt to Italy but Kondogbia is the summer signing that most intrigues me," the retired midfielder added.

"However, I'm also an admirer of Bertolacci. He's also become good in the playmaking phase and he knows how to play as a trequartista."

 

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Phil Jones signs new Manchester United deal

Manchester United defender Phil Jones has agreed a new deal that will keep him with the club until 2019.The England international - who arrived from Blackburn Rovers in 2011 - was due to see his contract at Old Trafford expire at the end of next season.

However, having played a regular role in Louis van Gaal's maiden campaign with the club last time out, Jones has put pen to paper on a new four-year deal.

"I am delighted to have signed a new deal," Jones told the club's official website.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far and am looking forward to continuing my development as a player.

"This a great club to be part of and I cannot wait to start the new campaign. I would like to thank the manager, coaching staff and fans for their continued support."

Van Gaal, who will lead United's return to the Champions League this coming season, added: "We are delighted that Phil has signed a new contract. "He is a talented footballer with great versatility and can play in a number of positions.

"Phil is a relatively young defender who is developing all the time. He missed some of last season due to injury but I was impressed by his professionalism and attitude during those periods."

Jones, 23, won the Premier League title with United during 2012-13 and has made 128 appearances for the club in all competitions.

 

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Congratulations Jones!​

 

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Manchester United closing in on Schneiderlin deal

Manchester United are closing in on a deal to sign Morgan Schneiderlin but are yet to meet Southampton's £25 million asking price, Goal understands.

The clubs are in discussions over a transfer for the midfielder but the Saints are determined to hold out for their full valuation.

Schneiderlin reported to Southampton's first day of pre-season training on Monday but United are confident of reaching an agreement this week ahead of the Frenchman signing a four-year deal worth around £100,000-a-week.

Louis van Gaal's side emerged as the favourites to sign the 25-year-old after Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger cooled his interest.

United have been linked with a string of central midfielders this summer, including Bayern Munich star Bastian Schweinsteiger, but they believe Schneiderlin can add proven Premier League quality in a vital position.

Michael Carrick has impressed Van Gaal as a deep-lying midfielder but he turns 34 next month and was restricted to just 18 Premier League appearances last season due to injuries.

United made their move for Schneiderlin last week and are not expected to face any competition, with Arsenal out of the race and the player keen to play in the Champions League, ruling out a switch to Tottenham.

Arsenal are long-term admirers of Schneiderlin but the Gunners refused to pay more than £18m to bring him to north London, while there were also disagreements over personal terms.

The emergence of Francis Coquelin at Arsenal last season caused Wenger to have second thoughts over a big-money move for Schneiderlin having initially made the France international one of his top summer targets.

Schneiderlin joined Southampton from Strasbourg in 2008 for just £1.2m and played a vital role in the south coast club's rise from League One to the Premier League.

He was angered last summer when the Saints refused to sell him but went on to make 30 appearances for the club as they secured a seventh-placed finish and Europa League qualification.

 

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Official: Arsenal sign Cech from Chelsea

Arsenal have completed the signing of goalkeeper Petr Cech from London rivals Chelsea on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee.

The 33-year-old completed his medical on Friday and has now signed a £100,000-a-week contract (€140,000), immediately making him one of the club's highest earners alongside Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.

The £11 million (€15.5m) capture of Cech represents Arsenal's first signing of the summer, though Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho had been hugely reluctant to allow the veteran goalkeeper to join a rival.

Mourinho was keen to retain Cech as backup to Thibaut Courtois, but owner Roman Abramovich wanted to show respect for the Czech's 11 years of distinguished service so ceded to his wishes for first-team football as well as his desire to keep his young family in London.

Cech has played a key role in the most successful era of the Blues' history, winning four Premier League titles, the Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Despite being reduced to a bit-part role last season, Cech still showed his goalkeeping prowess by recording five clean sheets in his seven Premier League appearances.

His departure leaves Mourinho in need of a new shot-stopper to provide cover for Courtois, and the Blues have already identified Stoke City's Asmir Begovic as a primary target for the role.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are expected to sell Fenerbahce target David Ospina to make room for Cech, with Wojciech Szczesny to be his understudy, and the Czech could yet be followed to the Emirates Stadium by Chelsea goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon.